#shhh Quinn is EEPY

[quinn-borel]

Putting a blanket on them while they are quick asleep on the couch

He trudged through the streets of Ishgard on his way home, admiring the beauty that was his city yet at the same time feeling absolutely defeated by the way his prior meeting came to an end.  They had spent hours behind closed doors debating on the next steps taken forward in the rebuilding of their beloved nation, to which little to no ground had been covered once again as both the House of Lords and Commons agreed upon very little.  The Lord Speaker, Aymeric, tried his damndest to see to it that both houses were well spoken for when it came to Ishgardian affairs.  However, equalizing power between those who held it for so long and those who had never tasted it before was simpler on paper than it was in practice.

The meeting ended with a vote, to which the tallies would be read at the following meeting the next day–he had hoped it wouldn’t end in a tie, as it so commonly did.  He knew well that building the republic would take time, more time than he probably had left in him.  Yet he had hoped that, at the very least, something would be agreed upon during his tenure to get their fair nation moving forward again.  He had to keep faith in his fellow Ishgardian—he was not the only one who wanted to see change in the city.  Surely, others felt the same love for his nation as he did.

“I think you made a bold point in your ending remarks this evening.” Artoirel pointed out as they came to the crossroads in the Pillars, one way leading to Fortemps Manor while the other would eventually lead to the Borel Estate.  Aymeric glanced at his friend for a moment before bringing his attention to the dimly-lit streets ahead,

“Is it not the truth?  Are we to move forward while constantly being at odds with one another?  I think not…”

“I can only hope that my fellow lords agreed to the proposal from the commons this evening.” Artoirel sighed softly, “I feel as if I’m at odds with my own house, if I’m being honest.  It begs the question if I am the only one willing to reach my hand across the table towards the House of Commons.”

“I am all the same frustrated.  However, it is a boon to us that at the moment that we are free from the worry of anything currently threatening our nation.  We can strictly focus on our populace.”

“How is she, by the way?” Artoirel asked, “I don’t think I’ve personally seen her since our last dinner party a few moons ago.”

“Busy.” Aymeric simply replied, “’Twould seem that saving the star didn’t satiate her need for adventure.  She’s been away in Mor Dhona assisting in some research related to the Twelve.”

“It seems you both have found free time to be that of a luxury again.”

Aymeric winced slightly at Artoirel’s painful observation.  But he was right, ever since their honeymoon ended he and Quinn had barely a moment to spare for one another.  Even if she chose to stay in the locale, his work hours far exceeded that of the common man.  He would rather she keep herself busy than sit in their home waiting for him all night.  

“You would be correct in that assumption.” Aymeric said dryly, “But, we each have our own duties to attend to.  Now, if you will excuse me, Lord Artoirel.”

“Until next time.” Artoirel gave the Lord Speaker a nod and proceeded down the opposite path, to which Aymeric went his own separate way to his abode.  While he stayed vigilant as he roamed the streets at night, he couldn’t help but to linger on the thought of seeing his beloved Quinn–his wife of few moons, but his lover of many prior.  They spent years penning letters to one another as she made her journey around the star, so what difference did it make now that they were wedded?  She would eventually make her way back home as she always did, and he would happily greet her just as he always did.  He silently prayed that one day he would join her, but not before he saw the change he wished to see in Ishgard.  While he loved Quinn, he loved his nation just as much…

Aymeric opened the door to his estate, allowing the warmth of the manor to rid him of the chill in his bones.  It was then that he noticed a familiar pair of boots in the entryway–too small for him to wear, and nearly worn down to the soles.  The boots of a well-seasoned adventurer.

“Quinn?” he asked with hope upon his breath.  

There was no answer.        

Perhaps she left them behind and he hadn’t noticed.  Again, feeling defeated, the lord made his way to the main sitting room to relax before heading to bed.  He would have, however, if the couch had not been occupied.

There she lay, curled up and sound asleep as if she had been waiting there for him all night.  His cat sat on one of the other chairs in the room, glaring at the woman for taking her favorite spot.  Aymeric glanced between the two of them with a warm smile on his face,

“…’Tis nice to have both of you here waiting for me.”

Quinn didn’t budge, but that was fine–she was there, and he wouldn’t dare disturb her sleep.  He could easily take his tea in another chair and wait for her to awaken, which is what he had planned to do.  With a soft chuckle, Aymeric reached for the decorative blanket upon the sofa and pulled it over his wife, pressing his lips to the top of her head as he did so.  

“Sleep well, my dear.  And welcome home.”